The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio joins with the Department of Justice and other U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the country in recognizing June 15 as Annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD). WEAAD provides an opportunity for communities around the world to promote a better understanding of abuse and neglect of older persons by raising awareness of the cultural, social, economic and demographic processes affecting elder abuse and neglect.
“Many of us are familiar with instances involving the exploitation of loved ones or our older relatives,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler. “The Department of Justice and law enforcement in this region are committed to protecting and supporting the most vulnerable among us, including by advancing elder justice initiatives and providing support through grants, training and other resources.”
The Department of Justice Elder Justice Initiative coordinates efforts to prevent and respond to elder abuse, including by developing training and resources for partners at all levels of government and beyond. Grantmaking components have funded the development of coordinated, multi-disciplinary approaches to advancing elder justice, including Multi-disciplinary Teams.
Elder Justice Coordinators in each of the 94 U.S. Attorneys’ offices nationwide work to successfully prosecute cases of elder abuse, including by supporting the Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force. The Strike Force, which was launched and is led by the Department’s Consumer Protection Branch, brings together attorneys, agents, and analysts from across the federal government to disrupt and prosecute foreign-based fraud schemes that target American seniors.
In addition, the Department of Justice continues to expand the capacity to protect and support survivors of elder abuse. This includes a training and technical assistance program to develop and expand statewide Elder Justice Coalitions and an Abuse in Later Life Program, which supports organizations dedicated to assisting older individuals and advancing comprehensive, multi-disciplinary solutions to elder abuse.
If you need assistance or to report elder abuse, please contact your local adult protective services agency through the Eldercare Locator or by call the helpline at 1-800-677-1116.
Monday – Friday 9:00 am – 8:0 pm EST.
To report elder fraud, please visit the FBI’s IC3 Elder Fraud Complaint Center or contact the dedicated National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833–FRAUD–11 or 1-833–372–8311.
Monday – Friday, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm EST.
For more information on enforcement actions, training and resources, research, and victim services, please visit www.justice.gov/elderjustice.